Vitamin D Awareness and Supplementation Practices in Children: A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study Among Parents Attending Pediatric OPDs in Tertiary Care Hospitals in India
Keywords:
Vitamin D, awareness, supplementation, children, parents, India, pediatric OPDAbstract
Background: Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread public health problem among children in India, despite abundant sunlight. Parental awareness and supplementation practices play a critical role in prevention.
Objective: To assess awareness regarding vitamin D and evaluate supplementation practices among parents of children attending pediatric outpatient departments (OPDs).
Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 200 parents attending pediatric OPDs of four tertiary care hospitals (two medical colleges and two private hospitals). A structured, pre-validated questionnaire assessed knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and comparative analysis.
Results: Among 200 participants, 58% had heard about vitamin D, while only 34% knew its role in bone health. About 29% were aware of sunlight as a natural source. Only 26% reported giving vitamin D supplements to their children. Awareness was significantly higher among parents attending private hospitals compared to government medical colleges (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Awareness and supplementation practices regarding vitamin D among parents are suboptimal. There is a need for targeted educational interventions and improved counseling in pediatric OPDs
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